An elderly couple have been reeling by the theft of cash and treasured possessions, including a wallet that belonged to their dead son.

A youth, believed to be 16 or 17, got into the house in Kynaston Road, Didcot, though an unlocked back door.

He went into the kitchen and grabbed the 78-year-old woman's handbag which was hanging inside.

He fled form the house pursued by the woman's husband who lost sight of him in nearby Bridge Close.

As well as the son's black cotton wallet and a large amount of cash, the youth fled with diamond stud earrings, which were a present from her husband and tri-coloured gold knot earrings, which were a birthday present from a friend.

Pc Kirstin Reid, of Didcot police, said: "The couple are shaken up and very distressed by what has happened. The loss of the jewellery and particularly their son's wallet has hit them very hard."

The thief, who struck just before 3pm on January 27, was white, about 5ft 4in and of slim build. He wore black trousers, a black bomber jacket, a woollen hat and had a red rucksack.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Didcot police on 01235 516818 or 01235 516868.